NFL Week 7 Prediction: Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins

Buffalo Bills

Miami Dolphins

Record: 3-2

Offense Passing: 15th

Offense Rushing: 29th

Defense Passing: 27th

Defense Rushing: 15th

Keys to the Game:

Image Courtesy of Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Buffalo:Thad Lewis and the offense played very well for the Buffalo Bills last week. However, the defense didn’t help him out too much. The Bengals were able to pass all over the Bills secondary and if the Bills want to win this game they are going to have to stop the pass. With the return of Jairus Byrd and Stephon Gilmore the Bills need to figure a way to stop the passing attack and create turnovers. Miami has a decent passing attack but they have many weapons. If Buffalo doesn’t create pressure and defend the passing attack better the Dolphins will exploit the secondary.

Miami: Miami has had a tough five game stretch (not including the bye week), including four playoff teams from a year ago. With a strong defense and a decent passing attack Miami is second right now in the AFC East. Things get a bit easier – but this week versus the Bills, Miami has to be able to move the ball. Miami should be able to find running room versus the weak Buffalo run defense, but it won’t be easy. Some of you may be saying why not pass, but the ground and pound technique has worked versus the Bills before. On defense Miami is going to face the third best rushing offense. Miami will have to fill the gaps quickly before Spiller and Jackson can find any rushing room.

What to Watch for:

Buffalo: On offense, I am watching Thad Lewis. Last week, Lewis played very well and even lead a late comeback in the 4th quarter to force overtime. Lewis set some expectations for the fans and coaches and he will need to continue to play like he did last week or he will find Matt Flynn replacing him until Manuel returns. On defense, watch for Kiko Alonso to fly around the field and make plays. Alonso is currently leading the league in tackles with 66, as a rookie! Yes, the legend certainly lives on and Bills fans couldn’t be happier with Kiko.

Miami: Lamar Miller is the guy to watch on offense. Buffalo’s defense has had a tough time against the rush and I look for Miller to be used very often. Miami will force Buffalo to stop the run and Miller is a tough physical back that could tire the defense quickly. On the other side of the ball, I look for Cameron Wake to make some noise. Wake is great pass rusher and he will be trying to create pressure on Lewis to force bad decisions.

Prediction:

This is a tough call for me folks, a few weeks ago I would have clearly taken Miami, but Buffalo has shown how tough and scrappy they really are. However, I think Buffalo will keep using their speedsters such as Spiller, Graham and Goodwin to pull out a road victory. Buffalo 27 Miami 24